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Cantona says Solskjaer changing Pogba priorities has led to best United form

Asked if Guardiola needed to win the Premier League title to prove he is up there with Mourinho, 43-year-old Karanka added: “Yes, I think so. He has shown he can win titles in Spain with Barcelona and with Bayern Munich in Germany.

“And he probably thought he would do the same in England.

“But now I think he has realised this is a different football, a different league — he has realised how difficult the challenge is.

“Is this his toughest job? Yes, because he has previously taken over at clubs who were already very strong.

“But the coach’s life is always about challenges.”

Guardiola, 46, was frosty with Karanka following November’s 1-1 Etihad draw when Boro’s Marten de Roon snatched an injury-time equaliser.